Famed Muscle Shoals producer Hall dies 85

Alabama record producer Rick Hall, who recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and ’70s and helped develop the fabled “Muscle Shoals sound,” has died.

Hall died at his home Tuesday after a fight with cancer, said longtime friend Judy Hood. He was 85.

Hall founded FAME Recording Studios in northwestern Alabama in 1959 and went on to record major acts including R&B stars Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. Hall also recorded country artists including George Jones and Brenda Lee and produced pop acts including Paul Anka and the Osmonds.

A new generation of listeners knows Hall through the 2013 documentary “Muscle Shoals.” The movie tells the story of Hall, the region’s musicians and their distinctive, soulful sound featuring heavy bass, guitar and electronic organ or piano.

Hall, a native of Mississippi, received a Trustees Award from the Grammy Awards in 2014.

E! documentary will feature Rose McGowan

NEW YORK

Actress and activist Rose McGowan will be the subject of a new documentary TV series.

E! said Tuesday it will air the first part of “Citizen Rose” on Jan. 30, which coincides with the release of her memoir, “Brave.” Four more episodes will air in the spring.

McGowan helped open a national public discussion about sexual harassment and abuse when she accused Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein of raping her. Weinstein has repeatedly denied “allegations of nonconsensual sex.”

With the documentary, McGowan says she hopes to “amplify my message of bravery, art, joy and survival” and to “show how we can heal through art even when being hounded by evil.”